Effect of dietary lipid content on reproduction, egg quality and larval quality in flame angelfish broodstock (Centropyge loriculus).

The rapid growth of the world-wide ornamental fish trade is increasing demand for rare and interesting reef specimens. This industry relies almost exclusively on the collection of animals from coral reef ecosystems. Therefore, marine ornamental industry may not be sustainable in the future unless alternatives, such as aquaculture, can be found. Flame angelfish (Centropyge loriculucs) is a high value ornamental fish that for its characteristics serve as an ideal model for research and develop marine ornamental aquaculture. Consistent production of high-quality eggs is a key factor for successful mass production of juveniles. Improvements in broodstock nutrition, particularly energy and EFA level composition of broodstock diets, have been shown to affect spawning performance and egg quality. Therefore this research explored the effects of dietary lipid level on spawning performance, egg and larval quality in the flame angelfish. Broodstock diets were formulated with high-quality ingredients at a protein levels of 60 per cent and total lipid levels ranging from 11 to 17 per cent maintaining DHA:EPA:ARA ratios of 10:5:1. Experimental diets were compared to the standard OI raw ornamental diet. Formulated diets were well accepted and supported growth and spawning of captive broodstock over the three month study period. Dietary lipid content had no effect on fecundity, but did have significant effects on fertilization rates, egg viability and survival to yolk exhaustion. The 13 per cent lipid diet (diet 2) showed the best results performing as good, or better than the control diet. Although the 15 per cent lipid diet (diet 3) improved hatch and survival to day three, pairs under this diet spawn less consistently with lower rates of viability. Extremely poor performance of eggs from broodstock maintained on the high lipid diets indicates that high lipid levels used for broodstock of large carnivorous species are not appropriate for the more herbivorous reef species such as the flame angelfish.